R. de Galarreta

After 10 years away from Bilbao, Iñigo has finally come home. A true example of how far talent and persistence can take you in the face of adversity and setbacks. Despite making his first-team debut for Athletic in 2011-12 under then coach Marcelo Bielsa, a series of serious injuries prevented Ruiz de Galarreta from breaking into the senior side at the time.

He was forced to leave his boyhood club and after a journey which saw him turnout for several sides in the second division such as Real Zaragoza, CD Leganés and UD Las Palmas, Iñigo eventually returned to the top flight with RCD Mallorca. His consistent performances for the Balearic Islanders saw Athletic bring him back to Bilbao.

'Galaxy' is already a standout figure at the club, offering a touch of class to Athletic's engine room. A technical player, Iñigo is happy to receive possession under pressure, rarely loses the ball and always offers an outlet to his teammates.

In addition to his long-anticipated 'second debut', Galaxy bagged his first goal as a Lion this campaign, with a wonderfully struck effort against Villarreal in our LaLiga Matchday 12 fixture at the Estadio de la Ceramica.